Swap the Clamp-o-Tron & Clamp-o-Tron Jr. in the Tech Tree

[Bombaatu]

The only capsule you have in Tier 1 is the Mk 1, which is too small at the nose to use the larger Clamp-o-Tron. You don't get the larger 3-person capsule that can use that docking port until the start of Tier 2 - and even then you can't use it until you also get the larger heat shield.

In short, there's no effective way to dock in Tier 1.

[Superluminaut]

I agree.

[HebaruSan]

I used the lander can. I don't know how effective the 1.25m heat shield I put under it will be, given how much of it sticks out of the sides, but I'll find out and possibly do a rescue mission instead.

UPDATE: The heat shield was ineffective. This lander had to be parked in medium orbit while a reentry-capable rescue craft was sent to rendezvous.

Edited December 27, 2023 by HebaruSan

[MechBFP]

23 hours ago, Bombaatu said:

The only capsule you have in Tier 1 is the Mk 1, which is too small at the nose to use the larger Clamp-o-Tron. You don't get the larger 3-person capsule that can use that docking port until the start of Tier 2 - and even then you can't use it until you also get the larger heat shield.

In short, there's no effective way to dock in Tier 1.

You don't have to put a docking port at the nose of a ship, you can put them on the sides and dock them that way.

[m4ti140]

+1, I'm baffled it's done the way it is